Around 15,000 South African crocodiles in 'mass escape' during floods
The owner of the Rakwena Crocodile Farm was forced to open the gates after concern over a storm surge, local press reported
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Around 15,000 crocodiles escaped from a farm in South Africa after heavy rain and flooding hit the north of the country.
The owner of the Rakwena Crocodile Farm was forced to open the gates on Sunday after concern over a storm surge, local press reported.
Many of the crocodiles have since been recaptured but over half remain on the loose in the Limpopo River.
"There used to be only a few crocodiles in the Limpopo River. Now there are a lot," Zane Langman, whose in-laws own the farm, told Beeld newspaper.
Mr Langman said the farm gates were opened because the owners feared the rushing flood water would crush the crocodiles.
A crocodile, apparently from the farm, was captured 75 miles away at a school rugby field Mr Langman said.
Mr Langman told Beeld newspaper he went to rescue friends in a flooded house in the area by boat on Sunday: "When we reached them, the crocodiles were swimming around them. Praise the Lord, they were all alive."
Limpopo province has been hit by serious floods which have killed 10 people and made many homeless.
The South African Air Force is being used to rescue people from remote settlements, many of which are cut off from the outside world.
The floods have also hit Mozambique, where thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments